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Cadaquès Travel Guide
Explore the authentic flavors of Cadaquès - a paradise for wine and gastronomy enthusiasts!
A quiet bohemian resort near Spain’s border with France, white-washed Cadaquès is a Mediterranean postcard that comes to life. A former fishing village is now known as an artists’ hotspot; Cadaquès was the stomping ground of Salvador Dalí and has hosted the likes of Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Man Ray. Its allure is undeniable: pale jagged cliffs form the shoreline, sailboats and fishing boats dot the sea, gentle waves lap at pebbly beaches, and low white buildings huddle together in the knot of a town center. In the village, narrow cobblestone lanes run alongside balconies brimming with bright geraniums. The village church stands like a watchtower overlooking the sea at the heart of town.
Cadaquès sits on a sweeping natural bay at the northernmost reaches of the Costa Brava, a stretch of coastline considered one of Spain’s top seaside destinations. Among the many resort towns in the area, this is one of the few that have managed to avoid excessive tourism and retain their sleepy air. Perhaps the masses have been kept away by the fact that pebbly shores take the place of a long sandy beach and that the trip here involves a long, curvy highway. Nevertheless, those who make an effort to come are rewarded with lovely sea views and a vibrant town life brimming with galleries, shops, and cafés.
This area is famous for being artist Salvador Dalí’s home for half a century. Portlligat, a hamlet, is a 15-minute stroll from Cadaquès and was the surrealist’s base from 1930 until 1982. More than merely a house, the home he shared with his muse and lover, Gala is a labyrinthine collection of fishermen’s huts that Dalí joined and re-decorated over the years, converting them into an enormous work of art. Today, the Casa Dalí is open for visits and is a must-see for anyone visiting Cadaquès.
Cadaquès is also a hot spot for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, biking, sailing, scuba diving, and summertime beach bathing (although the rocky coast often means that strolling is more enjoyable).
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Restaurante Compartir (see below) - infusion classic med flavors with creativity Gastronomy & Wine
The region boasts a diverse and flavorful cuisine that reflects its Mediterranean location and the influence of neighboring France. Seafood is a staple of Costa Brava’s cuisine, with dishes like paella and fideuà prominently on menus. Other local specialties include rice dishes, such as arroz negro and arroz caldoso, fresh salads, grilled meats, and traditional Catalan dishes like suquet de peix (a potato-based seafood stew). Visitors can also explore the region’s numerous wineries and sample its excellent wines, which include sparkling Cava, crisp white wines, and full-bodied reds.
Stretching away from Cadaquès is the small winemaking DO of Empordà-Costa Brava. Running along the French-Spanish border and down the rocky Mediterranean coast, this is an experimental region where everything from Carieña rosé wines (the traditional wine made here) to Tempranillos, Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, and Syrahs are made. The best-known winery is Castillo Perelada, a modern winemaking facility with a lovely ancient castle, restaurant, hotel, and wine spa. Other notable Empordà-area wineries include Castillo de Capmany, Masia Serra, Oliveda, and Pere Guardiola.
Guide to Catalan Gastronomy: Read more
Nearby Wine Regions
Highlights
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Restaurante Compartir
Restaurant Compartir embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a menu featuring innovative and playful dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Chefs Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro, and Eduard Xatruch are masters of their craft, infusing classic Mediterranean flavors with creative culinary techniques to create beautiful and delicious dishes. From the succulent seafood to the perfectly cooked meats, every dish at Compartir is an explosion of flavor. The wine list is equally impressive, with a variety of Spanish and international labels that perfectly complement the flavors of the food. The atmosphere at Compartir is rustic and charming, with a beautiful outdoor terrace providing stunning Mediterranean views.
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Cap de Creus
Encircling Cadaquès like a blanket is the protected natural park of Cap de Creus, one of the largest parks in Catalunya. Including the rugged hills surrounding Cadaqués and a large swath of coastline, the park protects both marine and land flora and fauna. In addition, this is a beautiful area for hiking and scuba diving.
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Monestir de Sant
Pere de Ribes Although it’s been 200 years since the Sant Pere de Ribes monastery housed monks, the retreat’s millennium-plus-long history and quiet holiness still haunt the air. Monks believed Saint Peter’s (he of Pearly Gate fame) skull and right arm were hidden in a cave on the mountain near the monastery, making the site holy. The monastery is located within the Cap de Creus natural park.
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Port de la Selva
Just down the coast from Cadaquès sits this quaint fishing village, where fishermen still mend their nets by the sea, and fishing boats often outnumber pleasure boats in the water. The gateway to the Cap de Creus natural park, Port de la Selva, also boasts terrific seafood restaurants and a long, pretty beach.
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Casa de Dalí
A mere 1.5km from Cadaquès, in a fishing hamlet called Portlligat, lies the whimsical and maze-like house of surrealist artist Salvador Dali, who lived here with his muse and lover Gala until 1982. Artwork-in-progress, fanciful sculptures, unique design elements, and furniture and accents designed by Dalí fill the house, making this one of the top sights in Cadaquès.
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